In a riveting match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Moroccan side AS FAR took on the reigning Champions League winners, Arsenal WFC, in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Arsenal managed to net an outstanding 6 goals, including 4 in the first half and 2 in the second. With a VAR check that took place in the 18th minute, Arsenal Women's were awarded a penalty after a deflection of Smilla Holmberg's shot on target, scored by Mariona Caldentey.

Eight minutes into the game, Blackstenius had the chance to give Arsenal the upper hand to score and secure the first goal after winning a corner, taken calmly by Beth Mead with an attempted over-the-line block. Not long after, a cross from Holmberg resulted in a goal tucked into the back of the net by Frida Maanum. Nine minutes after Maanum’s goal, Redouani attempted a block, which resulted in a handball after referee Yoshimi Yamashita was called up to do a VAR check. After Yamashita completed the check, Arsenal were awarded the penalty, and Caldentey successfully converted from the spot. Just before the end of the first half, Canadian international Olivia Smith gave Arsenal the fourth goal by slotting it into the bottom left-hand corner.

Second Half

Substitutions were made by AWFC’s manager, Renée Slegers, with forward Caitlin Foord and midfielder Kim Little replacing Mead and Caldentey, with both squads ready for the next half. Morocco's ASFAR played more defensively, completing 27 tackles throughout the game, with a 66.7% win rate, compared with Arsenal Women’s 53.3% win rate. At the 61st minute, with just under half an hour left, two more substitutes were made for Arsenal. Katie McCabe came on for left-back Taylor Hinds and brace-scorer Alessia Russo for Blackstenius, who had a 90.9% passing accuracy.

After the Arsenal substitutes came on, Maanum launched a counterattack, but AS FAR goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi saved, missing the chance to score. Not long after, Nouhaila Benzina had the ball, but Alessia Russo won it back and scored the fifth goal, launching it into the back of the net with confidence. Yolande Gnammi came on for midfielder Anissa Lahmari in the 71st minute, making significant contributions to AS FAR with 100% passing accuracy. Assisted by Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo sealed the game with the winning sixth goal, ensuring Arsenal’s place in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 1st February 2026. After a day of hard work, Olivia Smith came off the pitch for Arsenal’s number 18 Chloe Kelly, receiving a round of applause from

the crowd. ASFAR’s forward, Doha El Madani, came on for the team’s captain, Aziza Rabbah, in the 78th minute, also receiving a warm reception from the crowd. In the last minutes of what was a jam-packed game, the referee made a first booking of the night to AS FAR’s Benzina for a contact foul on Maanum. Arsenal secured their place in the final.

Arsenal's Dominance

In the end, it was clear that AWFC were the dominant team in attack, holding 56.3% possession and making only one save by goalkeeper Anneke Borbe. Morocco's ASFAR lost, but in 1v1 situations, remained dominant and made 17 clearances, preventing a larger lead for the Arsenal women. Now, Arsenal will face Corinthians at 6:00 pm, while AS FAR will battle out for third place against Gotham FC at 2:00 pm, both games taking place at the Emirates. With an attendance of 8,066 fans, we would like to thank both sets of fans for their extremely encouraging support of both teams.

Changemakers

Changemakers takes place bi-weekly on a Wednesday and is a hangout for 15-18 year olds, where participants develop employability and life skills through a series of interactive sessions and activities. There’s the chance to meet employers and volunteer to support your community too. Find out more about Changemakers here.